Five Teams Already in the Mix for Zach Werenski as Trade Talks Heat Up

Zach Werenski just won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. And now he wants out of Columbus. That’s the reality the Blue Jackets are facing, and the list of teams lining up to acquire him is starting to take shape.

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, five franchises have already had discussions with Columbus about a potential trade. Those teams are the Dallas Stars, Utah Mammoth, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and Anaheim Ducks. And you can bet others will jump in before this is over.

Werenski is 28 years old, under contract for two more seasons at a very manageable $9.6 million cap hit by today’s standards for elite defensemen. He also has a full no-movement clause, so he’ll have the final say on where he ends up. The Blue Jackets have some leverage here, but not as much as you’d think. Werenski has already told the team he won’t sign an extension. That makes him a rental, basically, even though he’s still got two years left.

What Each Team Brings to the Table

The Stars have been linked to Werenski before. Word is they’d be willing to include Thomas Harley in a package, which would give Columbus a young, talented blueliner to build around. Dallas is all-in on winning now, and adding Werenski would give them arguably the best defense in the league.

Anaheim is the wild card. They have cap space, prospects, and draft picks coming out of their ears. If they want to accelerate their rebuild, trading for a Norris winner in his prime would send a clear message. And they can outbid almost anyone if they choose to.

Utah is interesting because they’re still building their identity as a franchise. Snagging Werenski would be a statement move. Toronto would be the typical big-market, high-pressure situation — but the Leafs have to figure out their cap situation first. Philly is rebuilding but has the assets to make a serious run.

The Timing Factor

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is engaged in active talks and seems to want to move sooner rather than later. But he doesn’t have to rush. Waiting too long could hurt Werenski’s trade value as the contract gets shorter, but jumping too early could mean leaving a better offer on the table. It’s a balancing act.

With five known suitors and likely more to come, Columbus is in a strong spot. Bidding wars tend to produce returns that look ridiculous a year later. The Jackets might just get the kind of haul that accelerates a rebuild from slow to fast.

And Werenski? He’ll get to pick his next home, cash his checks, and anchor someone’s blue line for the next push. Not a bad spot for a guy who just took home the Norris.